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Llama Glamarama
Meet a dazzlin' dancin' llama who learns to march to the beat of his own drum by strutting his stuff with Pride (and a funky feather boa)!
Larry the llama loves to move and groove! But will his friends all disapprove?
Larry lives a slow and quiet life at the barn with all the other llamas, just the way they like it. But at night when everyone has gone to bed, Larry loves to dress up in bright costumes and DANCE! He has to hide this from the others, for fear that they won't approve of his raucous ways. One day, he stumbles upon the Llama Glamarama, a carnival full of music, laughter, and yes-dancing!
Will this vibrant celebration give Larry the pride he needs to bring his dance back home? A bright and colorful rhyming story with a powerful message about celebrating differences, Llama Glamarama is the perfect Pride picture book for everyone!
Larry the llama loves to move and groove! But will his friends all disapprove?
Larry lives a slow and quiet life at the barn with all the other llamas, just the way they like it. But at night when everyone has gone to bed, Larry loves to dress up in bright costumes and DANCE! He has to hide this from the others, for fear that they won't approve of his raucous ways. One day, he stumbles upon the Llama Glamarama, a carnival full of music, laughter, and yes-dancing!
Will this vibrant celebration give Larry the pride he needs to bring his dance back home? A bright and colorful rhyming story with a powerful message about celebrating differences, Llama Glamarama is the perfect Pride picture book for everyone!
32 pages, Hardcover
Published June 1, 2021
About the author
Simon James Green
17 books623 followersSimon James Green grew up in a small town in Lincolnshire that definitely wasn’t the inspiration for Little Fobbing – so no-one from there can be mad with him, OK? He enjoyed a classic British education of assorted humiliations and barbaric PE lessons before reading Law at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he further embarrassed himself by accidentally joining the rowing team despite having no upper body strength and not being able swim. When it turned out that being a lawyer was nothing like how it looks in Suits or The Good Wife, and buoyed by the success of his late night comedy show that involved an inflatable sheep, he travelled to London to pursue a glamorous career in show business. Within weeks he was working in a call centre, had been mugged, and had racked up thousands of pounds worth of debt. Finding strength and inspiration in the lyrics of "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba, he eventually ended up working on a range of West End shows and UK tours, co-wrote a feature-length rom-com for the BBC and directed Hollyoaks for C4 / Lime Pictures. After trying really, really hard, he also managed to write Noah Can’t Even. If you are interested in stalking him, he still lives in London, where he spends a lot of time telling people that Noah Can’t Even is only partly autobiographical, and his mum has definitely never done a Beyoncé tribute act.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 30, 2021
Adorable! (And funny!)
June 15, 2022
A dazzling and glittering book about a llama who just wants to party!
My second Simon James Green book I just had to buy after the fabulous Sleepover Takeover! I picked this one because of the llama and the glitters. Cannot resist both!
In this one we meet Larry (yes, his name is indeed Larry Llama) a llama like all the others… until the night appears and he finally gets out his outfit. His glitter. His headphones and the music! I just loved seeing him totally do a dance off in his room! I was sad that the other llama seemingly were so against it and yes, I would have definitely done what Larry had done! Maybe taking something fancy with me in my escape! Yes, totally not handy, but come on you never know when you need something glittery and shiny! Larry was such a fun character and I found myself rooting for him. To find a place where he could be happy or that he at least found the courage to speak up against the other llamas and let them know what fabulousness they are missing out!
The dance party was just wonderful and I loved seeing Larry move through the crowd and have a great time! It was fun to see all the various animals popping by, the reference to famous artists, I was just grooving along with the animals~ Dance party, YAS! Festival, YAS! Let’s go! dances
The ending definitely also made me smile! I am very happy with it and it is a delight. I had a chuckle at one of the confessions, yes, that was quite obvious, but thanks for confessing. XD
The art was just so so much fun! It fitted so well with each mood. The dark moods of the beginning, the happiness of the dance party, the fear of confessing, the joy at the end. So much glitter and sparkle!
I would highly recommend this wonderful book to all! Courage, dance parties, and llamas? What more could you want?
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
My second Simon James Green book I just had to buy after the fabulous Sleepover Takeover! I picked this one because of the llama and the glitters. Cannot resist both!
In this one we meet Larry (yes, his name is indeed Larry Llama) a llama like all the others… until the night appears and he finally gets out his outfit. His glitter. His headphones and the music! I just loved seeing him totally do a dance off in his room! I was sad that the other llama seemingly were so against it and yes, I would have definitely done what Larry had done! Maybe taking something fancy with me in my escape! Yes, totally not handy, but come on you never know when you need something glittery and shiny! Larry was such a fun character and I found myself rooting for him. To find a place where he could be happy or that he at least found the courage to speak up against the other llamas and let them know what fabulousness they are missing out!
The dance party was just wonderful and I loved seeing Larry move through the crowd and have a great time! It was fun to see all the various animals popping by, the reference to famous artists, I was just grooving along with the animals~ Dance party, YAS! Festival, YAS! Let’s go! dances
The ending definitely also made me smile! I am very happy with it and it is a delight. I had a chuckle at one of the confessions, yes, that was quite obvious, but thanks for confessing. XD
The art was just so so much fun! It fitted so well with each mood. The dark moods of the beginning, the happiness of the dance party, the fear of confessing, the joy at the end. So much glitter and sparkle!
I would highly recommend this wonderful book to all! Courage, dance parties, and llamas? What more could you want?
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 12, 2021
Absolutly cute!
June 24, 2021
Young readers who love llamas or dancing may enjoy grooving along the rhyming text and colorful illustrations in this picture book. Maybe I've just read other picture books about being true to oneself and not being afraid to march or dance to one's own beat to be impressed by this one. But those who haven't encountered many picture books with that message will probably like it more than me. The plot concerns Larry, a dancing fool of a llama who enjoys doing his thing late at night when the other llamas are sleeping. When he's caught by his friends, he slips away and wanders into a music festival where he fits just fine--the Llama Glamarama. Renewed and proud of himself, Larry heads back home and confesses to his fondness for dance. His three friends share their own secrets; one even admits that he isn't a llama at all. Older readers will snort at the presence of Disco Queen, Llama Summer, clearly a take-off on Donna Summer from the disco era. That reference sent me scurrying online to revisit some of her tunes.
August 1, 2020
After reading Simon James Green's Alex in Wonderland and loving it, I promptly his two upcoming books Heartbreak Boys and Llama Glamarama.
This was a delightful book for young children, about a Llama who loves to dance but is afraid others wouldn't approve. The art is exuberant and colourful.
Will definitely be passing this on to my cousin's daughter.
(p.s. this was released on 4th of June 2020, don't know why goodreads says 2021)
This was a delightful book for young children, about a Llama who loves to dance but is afraid others wouldn't approve. The art is exuberant and colourful.
Will definitely be passing this on to my cousin's daughter.
(p.s. this was released on 4th of June 2020, don't know why goodreads says 2021)
August 17, 2021
This colorful, rhyming book all about being proud of what you like is great fun for storytimes!
May 27, 2021
In this rhyming picture book, we meet Larry the Llama, who lives in a barn with lots of straight-laced, rule-following llamas. But Larry is keeping a secret – he loves to dance. When his friends suspect he might be dancing, Larry runs away from his barn. While he is away, he discovers a poster for a carnival called the Llama Glamarama. Larry is stunned to find a huge crowd, music, and llamas dancing. He realizes he is not alone, which gives him the courage to go back home and tell his friends his truth, who in return reveal a few secrets they’ve been keeping.
Llama Glamarama is a bit campy and flamboyant in all the right ways. Adults will catch references to LGBTQ+ themes, though they are never directly mentioned. While this book isn’t specifically about the queer experience, it absolutely encourages young readers to celebrate their differences. It also builds a firm foundation of both acceptance and confidence in your identity – two skills all children need. So while yes, there is an animal at the center of Llama Glamarama, it still provides us with an opportunity to have conversations with the youngest readers about being themselves unapologetically and celebrating others who do the same.
My full review can be found on my blog.
Llama Glamarama is a bit campy and flamboyant in all the right ways. Adults will catch references to LGBTQ+ themes, though they are never directly mentioned. While this book isn’t specifically about the queer experience, it absolutely encourages young readers to celebrate their differences. It also builds a firm foundation of both acceptance and confidence in your identity – two skills all children need. So while yes, there is an animal at the center of Llama Glamarama, it still provides us with an opportunity to have conversations with the youngest readers about being themselves unapologetically and celebrating others who do the same.
My full review can be found on my blog.
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March 3, 2021
Larry the Llama loves to dance. Flamenco, Hip Hop, Ballet, he loves it all. The problem? He thinks that his love of dancing will make him stand out and eventually be booted from his community. When he goes to the Llama Glamarama music and dance festival, he discovers llamas just like himself who love dancing. This experience encourages him to be honest with his community. Larry tells them of his love of dancing and is shocked when not only are his friends NOT surprised by his love of dancing but they have aspects of their own lives that make them different too!
Green's text is whimsical and inviting, mixing rhymes along with with illustrations by Garry Parsons that just pop off the page. In Llama Glamarama there is a healing message that it’s ok for children to be different and chances are, getting those differences off your chest can open you up to people who feel the same. There were a few harder words that I had to explain to my toddler like Techno and Flamenco but these are great opportunities to introduce her to different types of music. Llama Glamarama is a book that will inspire and empower children who feel like they don’t fit in.
Green's text is whimsical and inviting, mixing rhymes along with with illustrations by Garry Parsons that just pop off the page. In Llama Glamarama there is a healing message that it’s ok for children to be different and chances are, getting those differences off your chest can open you up to people who feel the same. There were a few harder words that I had to explain to my toddler like Techno and Flamenco but these are great opportunities to introduce her to different types of music. Llama Glamarama is a book that will inspire and empower children who feel like they don’t fit in.
May 13, 2022
Llama Glamarama doesn't disappoint on the glam! Larry is a llama in a barn of llamas that follow the rules, stay calm, and keep the noise down. But at night, Larry has to let the real Larry out. Larry loves to dance. He just can't help himself. What will happen when the other llamas find out? Read Llama Glamarama to find out!
I truly enjoyed this fun story with bright, colorful illustrations that really grab your attention. The graphic designer did a superb job with the text, making it change with the dancing and seem to dance itself. So if you are one of those people who feel like you don't fit in, I encourage you to read Llama Glamerama and find out that it's okay to be different and there are others out there like you who need you to be you!
I truly enjoyed this fun story with bright, colorful illustrations that really grab your attention. The graphic designer did a superb job with the text, making it change with the dancing and seem to dance itself. So if you are one of those people who feel like you don't fit in, I encourage you to read Llama Glamerama and find out that it's okay to be different and there are others out there like you who need you to be you!
November 27, 2021
Super fun rhyming story of someone - in this case a llama - hiding something they feel makes them "different." Larry the llama just loves to dance and is positive that none of the quiet, calm, slow moving llamas in his life will accept this scandalous fact. Larry slinks off in shame but discovers a carnival with everything he'd ever dreamed of, including meeting "Disco Queen, Llama Summer!" I especially enjoyed the story's conclusion where Larry's closest Llama friends are all revealed to have kept each of their differences a secret. The popping illustrations and funny asides make this a fun read aloud; I predict it will be a crowd pleaser for fans of Pete the Cat and Groovy Joe.
February 17, 2022
Cute Cute story to teach kids that it's okay to be different and like things that are different.
Larry the Llama was one who loved to dance, and not just any kind of dancing a " toe-tappin hand-clappin dazzlin dancin"......He wasn't afraid to be different, and when he went off to find himself and be himself he figured out that there were many out there who were not afraid to be different as well. He even came back and inspired his other llama original friends to be themselves to, which is a huge testament to letting a child know that they can be an inspiration for others to show who they are for themselves.
Larry the Llama was one who loved to dance, and not just any kind of dancing a " toe-tappin hand-clappin dazzlin dancin"......He wasn't afraid to be different, and when he went off to find himself and be himself he figured out that there were many out there who were not afraid to be different as well. He even came back and inspired his other llama original friends to be themselves to, which is a huge testament to letting a child know that they can be an inspiration for others to show who they are for themselves.
April 6, 2021
This is a fun, colorful celebration of being true to yourself. Larry loves to dance, but llamas are well-behaved and calm, so he hides his passion from even his closest llama friends. After leaving home and discovering a place where everyone dances and loves bright colors, Larry returns and lets his friends know that he loves to dance. To his surprise, each of his friends has a secret of their own -- and everyone is happy to finally fully be who they are!
The USA publication is June 1, 2021.
The USA publication is June 1, 2021.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2021
A funny, touching, and colorful gay allegory, Larry is afraid of what will happen when his quiet, proper llama friends find out that he is " a toe-tappin, hand-clappin, dazzlin, dancin, llama!" LOVE IT!
"It turned out that each was a bit different, too. Patch's patch was just hair dye-really, it's true! Spitz then revealed that he played the maracas, and Mop told the group he was an alpaca! (Everyone acted surprised, but they had suspected this for a while.)"
"It turned out that each was a bit different, too. Patch's patch was just hair dye-really, it's true! Spitz then revealed that he played the maracas, and Mop told the group he was an alpaca! (Everyone acted surprised, but they had suspected this for a while.)"
September 20, 2021
I like the colors in the book. I didn't really understand the story even though I read it twice. My mom read it to me and told me it was about being different and being kind. We should be kind, but I still think the story is weird. Maybe grown ups will like it. (review by Bryce, 1st grade)
Note from mom: Though we need to teach kids to be kind to those who are different from us, this story was written for an older age group than it is marketed. It was disappointing for my daughter.
Note from mom: Though we need to teach kids to be kind to those who are different from us, this story was written for an older age group than it is marketed. It was disappointing for my daughter.
July 26, 2021
The llamas were a quiet, well behaved bunch. Except for Larry he loved to dance and sing and sparkle. He didn't want the other llamas to find out because he thought they would disapprove. He saw a sign for a carnival and went there and had lots of fun with the other loud colorful llamas. He came back to the barn and told his friends that he liked to dance and they revealed their secrets
April 14, 2022
Oh, I just adored this book. Both the words and illustrations are brilliantly done and kept me laughing all the way through. If you want a delightful pick-me-up, read this book. Without ever mentioning LGBTQ+ rights or even people for that matter, this book sends the message that being different is just fine.
April 7, 2023
Insidious agenda pushing targeted to 3-5 year olds. My little ones love going to the library and picking out a handful of new books every week. I was surprised and disappointed to find out what this fun colored silly looking book is really all about. Apparently this author only writes on these perverse topics and targets very young children specifically. Disgusting.
July 20, 2021
During the day Larry the Llama lives a nice normal quiet life with the rest of the llama's in the barn, but when the night comes, Larry comes to life with a passion to dance. Larry leaves the barn and comes across an event to dance his cares away, but will the other llama bring judgement down?
Read
December 30, 2021Simon James Green and the illustator Garry Parsons create a flamboyantly fabulous picture book about being different from your flock and having to hide a secret. And the joy of eventually sharing it with people who understand!
April 16, 2022
This is a delightfully silly story about a llama who is scared to tell his llama friends that he loves to dance. The dancing is a stand in for being LGBTQ+ (rainbows abound), and done is such a fun, loving way.
April 7, 2023
This book serves one purpose: to teach children that it is OK to lead a life of perversion and debauchery. What an awful message for children that are not fully developed! Don’t be fooled… It’s not about a llama that likes to dance.
March 5, 2021
Rollicking rhyme makes this a fun one for showing it's okay to be different! And it's fun to be different!
Read
June 28, 2021Another energetic, exuberant picture book celebrating being yourself.
June 29, 2021
And adorable rhyming book celebrating individual differences. Thank you, Scholastic, for a galley of this wonderful book. Can’t wait to share it with my students!
July 22, 2021
Llama lives in a barn with other Llama's who observe silence and decorum. But Llama has a secret...he loves to dance! Will going to a Glamarama help Llama tell his friends what he truly loves?
July 23, 2021
Larry the llama loves to dance. There's just one problem, he's afraid his friends won't give him a chance when they find out he likes to dance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2021
This is a cute rhyming book with lots of color. It's all about being yourself!
August 25, 2021
Adorable and hilarious. This is a book about individuality and accepting everyone's differences, and it gets those themes across in such a fun way.
September 17, 2021
Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
LGBTQ: nonconformist
Nothing new or ground-breaking but the rhyming text carries a joyous tone and the illustrations are delightful.
LGBTQ: nonconformist
Nothing new or ground-breaking but the rhyming text carries a joyous tone and the illustrations are delightful.
September 24, 2021
So much fun to read aloud and a beautiful message about the importance of acceptance and celebrating differences.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews